Mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall system and method of use

ABSTRACT

A retaining wall system is provided for mechanically stabilizing an earthen wall. The system comprises anchor receiving channels, anchoring tie back strips, and a plurality of connecting anchors. A face panel comprises at least one fastener receiving channel and a prefabricated wall fascia panel. Tie back members extend from the wall panels and are to be embedded within the earthen soil or backfill material thereby securing the tie backs and the wall panels in a fixed assembled, position.

This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/813,043 filed Apr. 17, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to retaining walls. More specifically, it pertains to a mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall and a system and method of using the mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall.

BACKGROUND

Known retaining wall structures, including those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,293 to Brown et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, fail to disclose various features of the present invention. Brown et al. provide an elongated slit on one side of a panel, but fail to disclose various features of the present invention as shown and described herein, including members, anchor members, and attachment means of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,668,129 to Babcock et al., 5,308,195 to Hotek, and 6,652,196 to Rainey, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, similarly fail to disclose various novel features, devices, and methods of the present invention. For example, known devices and systems fail to provide methods and systems for fast and secure connection of tiebacks to a wall panel while reducing risk of damaging or spalling or damaging the panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the limitations in the prior art methods and systems for mechanically stabilized earthen retaining walls, the present disclosure provides a new and useful mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall system and method of use thereof which is simpler in fabrication, more universally functional and more versatile in application and operation than known prior art methods or devices.

One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a new mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall system and method of use thereof that may be used as a retaining wall to stabilize unstable slopes and retain the soil on steep slopes.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a new mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall system and method of use thereof that has many novel features not offered by the prior art.

In one embodiment, a system for securing a facing comprises at least one face panel in a substantially vertical position to create a retaining wall; at least one channel interconnected to the face panel in a substantially horizontal position; at least one face panel anchor inserted into and interconnected to the at least one channel; and at least one soil reinforcing element embedded within a earthen formation and coupled to the at least one face panel anchor, the soil reinforcing element extending horizontally outward from the backside of the wall panel and are embedded within the earthen soil or backfill material thereby securing the soil reinforcing element, and thereby the wall panels, in a fixed, assembled, position.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification, drawings, and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.”

The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein.

It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts, and the equivalents thereof, shall include all those described in the summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present disclosure and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and Detailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

The above-described benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations are not necessarily complete or exhaustive, and in particular, as to the patentable subject matter disclosed herein. Other benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations of the present disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, as set forth above and/or described in the accompanying figures and/or in the description herein below. Further details and other features will become apparent after review of the following Detailed Description and accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional perspective view of a mechanical stabilizing and retaining wall system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical stabilizing and retaining wall system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connection anchor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the connection anchor of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the connection anchor of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the connection anchor of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the connection anchor of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a connection anchor receiving channel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a connection anchor receiving channel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connection anchor receiving channel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a connection anchor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a connection anchor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a retaining wall support system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described in detail below, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a retaining wall system for mechanically stabilizing an earthen wall. The present disclosure has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the applicant's intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides for one or more face panels with anchor receiving channels. As shown in FIG. 1, the wall panel 20 generally comprises a height H, a length L, and a width W. The panel 20 of FIG. 1, however, is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not limited with respect to specific heights, length, or widths or relative proportions of the same as provided. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, one embodiment of the present invention comprises at least one face panel 20, the face panel 20 comprising at least one receiving channel 20. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, receiving channels 20 are provided as transversely extending channels which are substantially parallel to one another and extend into a depth or volume of the face panel 20. However, in alternative embodiments, various channel shapes, sizes and positions are contemplated. It will be recognized that the present invention is not limited to the transversely extending parallel channels of FIGS. 1-2. In certain embodiments, channels 22 may extend in various directions and orientation, and need not extend along an entire width or length of the panel 20. It is also contemplated that the channels 22 may be provided as outwardly extending members, as opposed to recessed channels as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2. A unique aspect of the present invention lays in that a front or outer face 10 of the panel 20 may be provided as a flush surface wherein securing members for the tiebacks 40 are provided solely on an opposing side of the panel. In contrast with known device and systems which provide a tieback or reinforcing member through the width of the panel and thus require anchor plates, bolts, rivets etc. on the front face, the present invention allows for a front face 10 devoid of such features wherein the reinforcing members in the form of tiebacks 40 are secured to the internal or soil-facing side of the panel 20. The present invention therefore provides for enhanced aesthetic options and appeal without sacrificing structural integrity.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tieback member 40 of the depicted embodiment comprises a grid-like mesh with substantially parallel voids or channels 41 extending along a length of the member 40. Such a member, which may be described or provided as a “uniaxial geogrid”, comprises a plurality of elongate channels 41. These elongate channels receive components and features of certain embodiments of the present invention as shown and described herein. The elongate channels or openings 41 provided in connection with the anchor(s) 50 of FIG. 1 create an interconnection with the anchor(s) 50 and the wall panel 20 as shown and described herein.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-2, a plurality of reinforcing members or tieback members 40 are provided. The tieback members 40 of FIGS. 1-2 are depicted as substantially planar grid elements that extend substantially perpendicular to the panel 20. It will be recognized, however, that tieback members 40 are not limited to this particular arrangement. Indeed, various alternative tieback members are contemplated, including helical tiebacks, beam-shaped tiebacks, and various tiebacks as recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, tiebacks 40 may extend at various angles with respect to the wall panel, including angles ranging between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 150 degrees. Tieback members 40 are interconnected with connecting anchors 50. The face panels 20 each comprise at least one connecting anchor 50 and receiving channel 30, wherein the receiving channel 30 is provided within a channel 22 of the wall panel 20.

In certain embodiments, the receiving channels 30 are comprised of a Unistrut® “C” channel that is embedded within the wall channel 22. The tieback members 40 are looped over and thereby interconnected with respective connecting anchors 50. The connecting anchor 50 and associated tieback member 40 is then inserted into a receiving channel 30, thereby securing the tie back strip 40 to the wall panel 20. The tieback members 40 extend horizontally outward from a first side of the wall panel 20 and are thus adapted to be embedded within the earthen soil or backfill material thereby securing the tie backs 40, and thereby securing the wall panel 20, in a fixed, assembled, position.

It is to be understood that the connecting anchor receiving channel 30, while in one embodiment is an extruded piece of Unistrut “C” channel, in alternate embodiments is provided in different shapes of extruded channel specifically designed to interconnect with, and retain, the corresponding shape of the connecting anchors, examples of which are illustrated herein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connecting anchor 50. As shown, the connecting anchor 50 generally comprises a plurality of upper extensions 51 a, 51 b, 51 c, and lower extensions 52 a, 52 b, 53 c. The extensions are spaced apart by lateral gaps 57 and a longitudinal gap 56. As shown in FIG. 4, the longitudinal gap 56 is greater at a first end of the anchor 50 than at a second end. The gap 56 and extensions are compressible and act as leaf springs when a force is applied. For example, in order to insert a first end of the anchor 50 into a channel 30, the distal ends of the extensions 51, 52 may be compressed or contracted, the anchor 50 slid into the channel 30, and the extensions 51, 52 allowed to expand and be positioned in a force-transmitting communication with the channel 30 and associated wall panel 20. A second end of the anchor 50 comprises a weld 58 joining the upper 51 and lower 52 extensions, and a flange 54.

In order to engage a tieback member 40, lower extension members 52 a, 52 b, 52 c are threaded or inserted through slots 41 in the grid 40. This is, in certain embodiments, each of the lower extension members 52 are provided through a respective void 41 in the grid 40. The grid is thus disposed between the upper 51 and lower 52 extensions, and provided in force-transmitting communication with an intermediate portion 58 of the anchor 50. The intermediate portion 58 joins the upper 51 and lower 52 extensions, and provides contact surfaces for engaging the grid. Preferably, and referring to FIGS. 5-6 where the intermediate portion is shown in phantom, the intermediate portion 58 comprises a plurality of the arcuate portions 59 a, 59 b, 59 c. The arcuate portions 59 a, 59 b, 59 c are provided to contact a distal end of a slot 41 of the grid 40 to provide the arrangement depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of an anchor 50, with the intermediate portion 58 shown in phantom. As shown, the intermediate portion 58 comprises a plurality of arcuate portions 59 a, 59 b, 59 c, each of the arcuate portions 59 adapted to contact a preferably arcuate terminus of a slot 41 in a mesh tieback member 40. The arcuate portions 59 are preferably sized and shaped to generally conform to an interior shape or contour of a slot 41 of the tieback 40.

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of an anchor 50 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6. As shown, a rear portion of the anchor 50 comprises a generally solid member such that an associated mesh tieback member 40 is not translatable through or out of the rear portion of the anchor 50. In certain embodiments, the intermediate portion 58 forms a flush rear wall in combination with the remainder of the anchor member 50.

In certain embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 3-5, distal ends of the extensions 51, 52 comprise a barbed or hooked portion 55, the hooked portion 55 adapted for receiving and applying force to a channel member 30 (See FIG. 2). It will be recognized that the hooked portion 55 of the extensions 51, 52 may be provided in a variety of different shapes and such shapes are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, various flanged members, right-angled portions, spherical protrusions, and other arrangements may be provided, so long as the extensions is adapted for communicating a force to a portion of the channel 30 and/or wall panel 20.

In FIG. 1, a plurality of anchor members 50 are provided in series and/or adjacent to one another to form an anchor extending along a length L of the wall panel 20. FIGS. 3-7 depict an according to certain embodiments of the present invention wherein the anchor member 50 comprises a relatively small or discrete element. It is contemplated that a plurality of anchors 50 as depicted in FIGS. 3-7 may be provided to form the elongate connection provided in FIG. 1. It will be further recognized, however, that anchors 50 of the present invention are not limited to any particular size, dimension, or proportion.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a channel member 30. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side elevation of the channel member 30 of FIG. 8. As shown, the channel member 30 comprises a plurality of sidewalls 31, 32, 33. In the depicted embodiment, upper and lower sidewalls 32, 33 are provided substantially parallel to one another and are interconnected by substantially perpendicular rear sidewall 31. A proximal end of the upper and lower sidewalls 32, 33 comprise curvilinear portions 34, 35 respectively, about which the sidewall is folded or bent approximately 180 degrees. An interior space or channel 36 is provided, which is open at lateral ends of the channel member 30 and on at least one side. The curvilinear portion 34, 35 provide slots 37, 38 for receiving and/or communicating with anchors 50 as shown and described herein. Although the embodiment of FIGS. 8-9 provide for c-shaped curvilinear portions 34, 35 and corresponding slots 37, 38, it will be expressly recognized that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Indeed, various alternative arrangements suitable for providing an interface with force transmission with various anchor members 50 are contemplated. Such embodiments and arrangements include, but are not limited, various angled walls, flanges, posts, and extensions from the channel member 30 that are capable of receiving and conveying a force (e.g. a force of tension applied by a tieback 40 and/or wall panel 20).

FIG. 10 depicts a channel member 60 according to an alternative embodiment. As shown, the channel member 60 comprises a substantially rectangular member with rectangular openings 62 a, 62 b, 62 c. One or more anchor members 50 as shown and described herein interface with and connect with the rectangular openings 62 a, 62 b, 62 c. Associated tieback members 40 are provided in connection with the anchor members 50. The tieback members 40 are provided in communication with an associated wall panel via anchor member(s) 50 and channel 60.

FIG. 11 depicts an anchor member 70 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the anchor member 70 comprises a plurality of extensions, including substantially parallel upper extension members 71 a, 71 b, 71 c, 71 d and substantially parallel lower extension members 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d. The extensions 71, 72 in certain embodiments comprise leaf-spring like members adapted to be bent or strained into a position wherein they may be inserted into a channel, and securely received within the channel when released. Distal ends of the extensions 71, 72 comprise angled members with a flange 75, the flange 75 comprising an interface between the anchor 70 and an associated channel. Upper and lower extensions 71, 72 are interconnected by connection member 78. The connection member 78 further comprises a ramped flange portion 74.

FIG. 12 depicts an anchor member 80 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the anchor member 80 comprises a plurality of extensions, including substantially parallel upper extension members 81 a, 81 b, 81 c, 81 d and substantially parallel lower extension members 82 a, 82 b, 82 c, 82 d. The extensions 81, 82 in certain embodiments comprise leaf-spring like members adapted to be bent or strained into a position wherein they may be inserted into a channel, and securely received within the channel when released. Distal ends of the extensions 81, 82 comprise angled members with a flange 85, the flange 85 comprising an interface between the anchor 80 and an associated channel. Upper and lower extensions 81, 82 are interconnected by connection member 88. The connection member 88 further comprises a ramped flange portion 84.

FIGS. 11-12 depict anchors of alternative embodiments, the anchors 70, 80 adapted to contact a grid-like tieback member. For example, anchors of the present invention are contemplated as securing various different tieback members including, but not limited to, various “geogrid” tieback members as will be recognized by one of skill in the art. Anchors of various embodiments of the present invention provide a connection system for such members. The embodiment of FIG. 12, for example, may be employed in combination with a square-grid rebar tieback to secure the tieback to a channel and/or wall structure. Additionally, distal ends 75, 85 of the extension members may be provided to conform to and be received by various shaped channel members. Thus, no limitation with respect to channel members or distal ends of the extensions is expressed herein.

In various embodiments, methods of providing tieback members 40 in connection with a wall panel 20 are provided. In one embodiment, a method of preparing a mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall is provided wherein a precast wall panel is formed with a plurality of slots 20, the slots comprising laterally extending voids in the panel. An elongate channel 30 is provided within each of the slots 22, the channels 30 comprising an interface for force-transmitting communication with an anchor member. A plurality of anchor members 50 are provided within the channels 30, wherein the anchor members 50 are adapted to receive and secure at least one tieback member. Tieback members are secured to the anchor members 50, either before or after securing of the anchor members 50 with the channel 30. Fill and/or soil are provided. The fill may be provided in stages, wherein the provision of fill and tieback members 40 is sequentially alternated. In an alternative embodiment, tieback members 40 are provided and fill is provided around the tiebacks. In various embodiments, the anchor members 50 comprise elastic extension members that may be compressed to facilitate insertion into the channel member 30 and comprise a restoring force that biases the extension members into a secured position with respect to the channel 30 and/or wall 20.

In various embodiments, methods of installing the panel and associated tiebacks contemplate sliding the anchor members into the connecting anchor receiving channel 30, such as through the open ends of the channel. In various embodiments, the anchor is compressed sufficiently to provide the distal ends of the extension members of the anchor within the channel. The anchor is then provided in its desired position and released into secure engagement with the channel.

In an alternate embodiment, the connecting anchors 50 may be inserted into the connecting anchor receiving channel 30 from the front through the open face of the channel by means of compressing the connecting anchor 50, which expands after it is inside the channel. In alternative embodiments, the connecting anchors are inserted through an opening in the face of the channel that allows for passage of the connecting anchor body.

It is anticipated that alternate embodiments of the invention may be used for retaining interior wall or ceiling panels in vertical or horizontal positions, and that such panels may embody a connecting anchor receiving channel that is either embedded in or mounted to the surface of said panels.

One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a geogrid product manufactured from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resins. It is to be understood that the anchor tie back strips can be manufactured from a variety of materials including welded wire mesh, steel strand or cable, plastic, polymer, other materials or other materials used in MSE wall systems known in the art.

The prefabricated wall fascia panel 22 may be manufactured in a variety of shapes within the scope and intent of the invention disclosed herein including but not limited to parallelogram, rectangle, rhombus, square, and trapezoid, as well as these shapes having curved ends such as cylindrical, or oval.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be fabricated to include a variety of simulated material patterns on the front face of the panels including but not limited to simulated block, brick, stone, cut stone, stone block, flagstone, granite, sandstone, as well as other material and patterns known in the art.

In one embodiment, the wall panel may be manufactured from precast concrete. In some embodiments, other materials may be used including, but not limited to, plastic, polymer concrete, or similar materials that may be represented in a variety of types and composition mixes having various combinations of ingredients such as those found in the manufacture of concrete, plastics, polymers, cement, water, cementitious materials, and chemical and or mineral admixtures, coloring agents which, when combined, will create a concrete material.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional elevation view depicting a retaining wall 20 with associated connecting anchors 50 and tieback members 40. The retaining wall 20 contains, supports, or retains an earthen or fill material 90. As shown, the contained fill material 90 provides compression on upper and lower surfaces of at least one tieback member 40, such that an outward force provided to the wall by the fill material is opposed by the tieback members 40 in tension, and connection of the tieback members 40 to the wall by the connecting anchors 50 and receiving channel 30. It will be expressly recognized that the tieback members 40 may extend into the retaining wall by any number of distances. No limitation is provided herein with respect to the overall dimensions of the tieback members 40 or the relative dimensions of the tieback members 40 and the wall 20.

The foregoing has outlined, in general, the intended use and function as well as the physical aspects of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understanding the invention disclosed herein. In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present disclosure is not limited to the method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, or application of use described and illustrated herein. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or application should be considered apparent as an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.

Moreover, though the present disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g. the use of a certain component described above alone or in conjunction with other components may comprise a system, while in other aspects the system may be the combination of all of the components described herein, and in different order than that employed for the purpose of communicating the novel aspects of the present disclosure. Other variations and modifications may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. This method of disclosure is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A retaining wall system for securing and retaining an earthen fill, comprising: a wall panel comprising an inner face adapted for retaining a fill material, an outer face, an upper end, a lower end and a predetermined thickness between said inner and outer face; the inner face comprising an elongate recess; an elongate channel provided at least partially within the elongate recess, the elongate channel comprising a substantially rigid material; an anchor member secured to and extending outwardly from the elongate channel; a reinforcing member secured to the anchor member and extending away from the wall panel, wherein the reinforcing member, the anchor member, the elongate channel, and the wall panel are provided in force transmitting communication.
 2. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the anchor member comprises a plurality of extension members, the reinforcing member comprises a plurality of elongate recesses, and wherein at least one of the extension members is provided through at least one of the elongate recesses.
 3. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member comprises a substantially planar member.
 4. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member extends substantially perpendicular from the inner face of the wall panel.
 5. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the elongate recess comprises a preformed recess extending along a width of the inner face of the wall panel.
 6. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of elongate recess are provided.
 7. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member is secured to the anchor member by at least one of compression, welding, bonding, and fastening.
 8. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the anchor member comprises a flexible extension for insertion into the elongate channel, the flexible extension comprising a contact surface for transmitting a force to the elongate channel.
 9. A retaining wall system for securing and retaining an earthen fill, comprising: a prefabricated wall panel comprising a width, a height, an inner face adapted for retaining a fill material and an outer face; the inner face comprising a plurality of elongate recesses extending along at least one of a width and the height of the wall panel; the plurality of elongate recesses comprising elongate channels provided at least partially within the elongate recesses, the elongate channel comprising a substantially rigid material; an anchor member secured to and extending from the elongate channel, the anchor member comprising a flexible extension adapted for substantially elastic deformation between at least a first state and a second state; wherein the first state of the flexible extension comprises a deflected state that allows for insertion of the anchor member into the elongate channel, and the second state comprises an expanded state wherein the anchor member is substantially secured within the elongate channel; a substantially planar reinforcing member extending from the anchor member inwardly from the inner face, the substantially planar member adapted to receive the anchor member and convey a tension force to the wall panel.
 10. The retaining wall system of claim 9, wherein the reinforcing member comprises a substantially planar sheet member extending along the width of the wall panel.
 11. The retaining wall system of claim 9, wherein the reinforcing member extends substantially perpendicular from the inner face of the wall panel.
 12. The retaining wall system of claim 9, wherein the elongate recess comprises a preformed recess extending along a height of the inner face of the wall panel.
 13. The retaining wall system of claim 9, wherein the reinforcing member is secured to the anchor member by at least one of compression, welding, bonding, and fastening.
 14. The retaining wall system of claim 9, wherein the anchor member comprises a flexible extension, the flexible extension comprising a contact surface for transmitting a force to the elongate channel.
 15. A method for providing a mechanically stabilized retaining wall comprising the steps of: providing a wall panel in the form of a rectilinear cube, the wall panel comprising an outer face, an inner face, an upper end, a lower end, and a width defined by said inner face and said outer face; forming an elongate recess extending along at least one of a height and a width on the inner face; providing a channel at least partially within the elongate recess such that the channel is securely fixed at least in a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongate axis of the elongate recess; providing an anchor comprises a plurality of extension members in force-transmitting communication with the channel by deflecting at least one extension member of the anchor such that said portion is provided in a compressed state and inserting at least said portion into a lateral terminus of the channel; providing a reinforcing element in connection with the anchor by inserting at least one extension member through an opening in the reinforcing element such that the soil reinforcing element extends from the inner face of the wall panel.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing at least one of an earthen soil and a backfill material proximal at least one of the soil reinforcing element and the inner face of the wall panel.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the reinforcing element is positioned as extending substantially perpendicularly to the inner face.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the reinforcing element is provided as a substantially planar sheet.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein a plurality of elongate recesses are formed in the inner face.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of elongate recesses extend along at least a portion of the width of the inner face. 